GROUP BOARD
As a member-based organisation, community is at the heart of all we do.
In appreciation of the people that support our venues, services and the nib Newcastle Knights, we proudly commit to meaningful social investments that help sustain positive, thriving communities throughout our region.
The Wests Group Australia (Wests) is a locally owned and operated not-for-profit membership-based organisation. Our vision is to be our members third place, creating personalised experiences that engage, entertain, and inspire. We develop and foster Rugby League as our prime sporting focus, followed by other sports, and support community projects. We will strive to maintain our social licence by being an engaged regional leader and good corporate citizen.
In the twelve months to January 31, 2024, our financial and in-kind social investment exceeded $2.2 million, a significant and far-reaching contribution to the region’s social services, schools, sporting groups and community organisations.
We are immensely privileged to be partnering with organisations that share our social priorities and our vision for the region, and we look forward to realising the possibilities ahead.
Geoff Coburn
President
Our Impact
Over $2.2M
Donated in 2023
1,690
Local jobs provided
$23M
Invested in the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence
$2.9M
Annual Male & Female Pathways Investment
Real Stories
Club Grants
The Wests Group Australia ClubGRANTS program has a proud history of funding a range of social initiatives.
In 2023 our ClubGRANTS funding supported 42 local services and programs, contributing over $2.2 million directly to our footprint communities, a critical funding injection to local sport, community groups, veterans’ programs and social services. With six Wests Group Club sites throughout the region, our ClubGRANTS funding is extended to recipient organisations throughout Lake Macquarie, Greater Newcastle and Port Stephens.
The Wests Group’s ClubGRANTS donation in 2023 was over $2,200,000
including both cash and in-kind contributions. This will go a long way in supporting community initiatives and improving the lives of those in need.
Our Team Our Community
Over many years, the club's community program has actively contributed to a range of not-for-profit organisations through game day fundraising, player appearances, cause profiling and club led education programs.
$89,000 raised at our our 50-50 Charity Partner raffle during the 2023 playing season, with 14 local causes each gifted a home game to fundraise and promote their mission.
We would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors for their support and shared commitment to investing in our team and our community. Click here to view our valued sponsors.
NRL SPONSORS
NRLW SPONSORS
The Wests Knights Foundation
Feel strong. Be strong. Live Knight Strong.
The Wests Knights Foundation is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people in the Hunter region through various initiatives.
Housing Plus Partnership: The Foundation has invested $300,000 to develop purpose-built accommodation for families escaping domestic violence in the Hunter region.
The Foundation supports Soul Café, providing home-cooked meals to vulnerable people in Newcastle.
The Knights pledged $26,190 to Hunter Bus Tragedy through a memorabilia auction to help support the bereaved families and injured individuals affected by the tragic incident.
Our People Our Community
In 2023 Wests Group introduced the community care program, an employee volunteering initiative that provides our people with one day of paid volunteering leave annually.
Since launching the program, team members from across the group have volunteered their time to community causes ranging from preparing meals for the families at Ronald McDonald House, wrapping gifts for children attending the Variety Christmas party and participating in the Newcastle Pride Festival.
We look forward to growing this program internally in 2024 and to providing more Wests Group team members the opportunity to pursue their social purpose.
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Knights Reconciliation Action Plan will enable the Club to further engage with First Nations communities, creating social change and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It aims to educate our Members and Fans, sponsors and partners, employees, and the wider community on the importance of reconciliation.
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Video
The nib Newcastle Knights, with guidance from their Aboriginal Advisory Group, developed a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Video in collaboration with the NRL School to Work Program, featuring the Minimbah Dance Group. Highlighting the region's history, the video showcases a hand-drawn map from 1797 by Lieutenant John Shortland, symbolizing the Indigenous connection to the land. This project underscores the Knights' commitment to reconciliation and will be showcased at every home game and major event throughout the 2024 season.
Our Officers
The Wests Group Board is responsible for determining and driving support for these community giving streams. They take their responsibility to support the community seriously and are committed to making a positive social impact at the heart of everything they do. Through careful consideration and evaluation, they identify the areas where they can make the greatest difference and work hard to ensure that their resources are deployed in the most effective way possible.
Geoff Coburn
President
Katie Brassil
Director
Robert Darcy
Director
Wayne Hore
Director
Samantha Poolman
Director
Tony Keating
Director
Tony Price
Director
